Blending business and science to change the future of algae: an interview with Ashley and Robert Roulston

Have a business idea? Not sure how to get it off the ground?

In this episode, Emma and Kate speak with Ashley and Robert Roulston, co-founders of Industrial Plankton, a company that makes equipment to grow live algae cultures that are used to stabilize the aquaculture food chain. Fourteen years into their business, they share tips on:

• How to form a partnership that combines different degrees and skill sets
• What it’s like to build a business from scratch
• Why they hire UVic co-op students

…and much more!

Resources from this episode

• Industrial Plankton
• The UVic Co-op Program
• Coast Capital Innovation Centre
• Accessing career support

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• (00:00) - Intro music
• (00:32) - Welcome and introductions
• (02:45) - The algae of it all: how is algae used in aquaculture and biotechnology?
• (04:20) - What technology does Industrial Plankton make and how does this help the world?
• (05:08) - How did Ashley and Robert come up with the idea for their business, Industrial Plankton?
• (06:35) - How to set yourself up for success when partnering in your own business
• (07:57) - How to start an entrepreneurial business as a student
• (11:05) - How have things changed 14 years into your business? What have you learned?
• (12:32) - What skills do you look for in an employee?
• (13:53) - Ashley and Robert share what they learned through the co-op program
• (15:42) - What do co-op students do at Industrial Plankton?
• (17:24) - What does a day-in-the-life look like as business owners?
• (20:12) - What are some of the most exciting problems that Industrial Plankton helps solve?
• (21:41) - How Industrial Plankton is tackling climate change and ecological restoration
• (23:46) - Rapid fire questions with Ashley and Robert about their time at UVic
• (29:10) - Episode credits